Design Competition Launched for Queen Elizabeth II Memorial
To pay tribute to the United Kingdom’s enduring monarch, the British government has initiated a design competition aimed at creating a national memorial in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.
A Collaborative Effort for Commemoration
The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, in collaboration with Malcolm Reading Consultants, is seeking a diverse team consisting of artists, architects, engineers, landscape designers, and additional specialists who are interested in participating in this significant project. An essential requirement is that the successful team must include an architect registered within the UK.
Competition Stages Explained
This competition unfolds in two major phases. The initial stage invites creatives to submit their expressions of interest via an online platform. For this phase, no concrete design submissions are needed; instead, teams should provide information regarding their background, composition, and experience. Following this initial submission period will be a ten-week design phase for five shortlisted candidates selected through stage one.
Finalists’ Goal: Capturing Legacy
Lord Janvrin, chair of the committee and private secretary to the late monarch stated that “the challenge for finalists during the second stage will be to reflect on Queen Elizabeth II’s tremendous impact on our nation and narrate her extensive reign through an innovative masterplan that harmonizes with its remarkable surroundings.”
An Iconic Location Awaits
The prospective memorial site is situated within St James’s Park in London—recognized as Britain’s oldest Royal Park—adjacent to Buckingham Palace. The competition guidelines highlight several key features such as constructing a new bridge across the park’s serene lake along with opportunities for artistic enhancements and improved landscaping interventions.
A Lasting Tribute to Heritage
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster remarked that “this National Memorial will stand as a lasting honor to Her Late Majesty’s legacy—a space designed not only for celebration but also introspection. We encourage outstanding architects and designers to present their visions detailing how this landmark project should manifest.”
Timeline for Submission & Announcement
The shortlist of candidates is anticipated to be revealed by spring 2025 while the winner will follow suit by early summer 2025. The unveiling of the final design coincides with what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s centenary celebrations in 2026.
